Provides a tax exemption from sales and compensating use taxes on alternative energy systems including alternative energy systems, new Energy Star appliances and tangible personal property used in or on habitable residential and non-residential structures to improve energy efficiency; defines relevant terms; authorizes municipalities to adopt the exemption.
Establishes the mechanical insulation energy savings program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts, public hospitals, public housing buildings, and political subdivisions that have completed a qualified audit.
Relates to establishing an abatement and exemption from real property taxes for capital improvements to reduce carbon emissions; establishes an energy efficiency improvement board to approve the abatements and exemptions.
S 8512 (the "Solar UP Now NY Act") defines "portable solar generation devices" as moveable photovoltaic systems under 1,200 watts that connect via standard outlets to offset household electricity use. It exempts these devices from utility interconnection rules and net metering requirements, meaning customers don’t need utility approval, pay fees for grid feedback, or install extra equipment. The bill directly affects residential and small commercial users who want to use simple portable solar units without regulatory hurdles. Utilities cannot be held liable for damage from these devices, and the law takes effect immediately.
This bill creates a tax credit for homeowners who build or renovate their primary residence to meet specific energy efficiency standards (like LEED or NAHB guidelines). The credit covers up to $10,000 of eligible costs - such as construction, professional fees, and energy-efficient materials - over a 10-year period, but excludes items like computers, solar panels, or new air conditioning systems. Unused credit amounts can be carried forward for up to five years to offset future tax bills. It applies only to primary residences and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.
Bill S 7429 establishes an energy performance benchmarking program for New York State. It directs various state agencies, departments, and public authorities to collectively reduce the average energy use in state-owned and managed buildings by at least 20% by April 1, 2030, from a 2020-2021 baseline. The New York Power Authority will lead a team to manage the program, provide guidelines, and offer technical assistance. Affected entities must benchmark energy use, conduct energy audits for inefficient buildings, implement cost-effective efficiency improvements, and prioritize sub-metering for larger buildings.
Establishes the small business energy conservation ombudsman program to represent small businesses on issues relating to state energy policy and the goals of the climate leadership and community protection act.
This bill (A 1266) creates a state-funded loan program to help hospitals and multi-unit residential buildings (like apartment complexes) reduce energy costs through low-interest loans or interest rate reductions. Eligible projects must first undergo an energy audit and focus on efficiency upgrades or renewable technologies (e.g., solar, efficient HVAC). At least 60% of annual loan funds must support facilities in economically distressed areas, with loans capped at $100,000 and interest rate reductions up to 4% for up to 10 years. The program, managed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, aims to lower operating costs for these facilities statewide.
Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval at least one and up to ten neighborhood scale weatherization and electrification-ready projects.
This bill limits New York's municipal sustainable energy loan program to commercial businesses, nonprofits, and other entities - excluding individual homeowners. It removes the previous option for municipalities to provide standard loans to individuals, instead capping individual loans at 10% of a property's appraised value or actual project costs (whichever is lower). The change aligns with state energy efficiency goals under environmental law by focusing municipal funding on larger-scale projects. Municipalities may still offer limited individual loans but must adhere to strict cost-based limits.
